Thunderstorms producing damaging winds and isolated tornadoes could move through the New Orleans area along and ahead of a cold front that will arrive early Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

The greatest threat is expected from early morning through mid-afternoon on Thursday.

Because of the long period of saturated soils resulting from December's unusually wet weather, shallow rooted trees could be uprooted by the strong winds accompanying these storms, forecasters warn. Heavy rain may also accompany the stronger thunderstorms, with the heaviest rain more likely along and north of Interstate 12.

In a special weather statement, the service's Slidell office said winds associated with a squall line accompanying the front will be capable of causing dangerous driving conditions, especially on open roadways.

A small craft advisory also has been posted for Lakes Pontchartrain, Maurepas and Borgne and offshore waters from 6 a.m. Thursday until 6 a.m. Friday, with winds as high as 33 knots possible. Seas as high as 4 to 6 feet are possible on inner waters, and 7 to 10 feet on outer waters..

Showers and thunderstorms are likely to begin developing just off the Gulf Coast tonight, and will move northward with a warm front, just in advance of the very strong cold front.

Tonight's low is expected to be only 61. Thursday's high will be 69, dropping to 43 overnight. On Christmas, expect mostly sunny skies accompanied by a chilly high of only 56. On Christmas night, expect the temperature to drop to about 37.